The decision to buy new or used medical computer carts is dependent on the needs of your company and your budget. While the basic process of purchasing a medical cart is straightforward, deciding on a new or used hospital cart can involve many smaller decisions. When electrical components are required, this choice is even more critical.
While many health care facilities purchase the newest medical carts with the hopes that the equipment will last for many years, this is not the only option. It may not even be the wisest.
Two options for purchasing equipment come to the forefront: used or new. However, there is a third option that may prove to be the best for your businessrefurbished.
Often, with refurbished medical equipment, health care facilities may hesitate due to myths that surround these devices. These inaccuracies may cost health care facilities thousands of dollars on just one medical laptop cart.
To help you make an informed decision before purchasing your medical cart, here are the definitions and defining features of these three possibilities.
Definitions of Used, Refurbished, or New
Another person or facility may have lightly or extensively used a medical computer cart on wheels. Part of its lifespan is gone. Frequently, these mobile medical carts have much usage left, but the conditions cannot be guaranteed.
Refurbished carts are restored from a pre-owned state to a like-new state.
A new medical workstation on wheels is shipped directly from the manufacturer.
Used Medical Carts
Making a case to buy used medical carts is a hard one. As this equipment is pre-owned, it is difficult to tell its actual condition. Often, these products are sold as-is, with no warranty and no guarantee of proper functioning. Most healthcare facilities cannot risk or afford the downfalls that may occur due to purchasing used equipment, especially devices that involve electrical elements.
Refurbished Medical Computer Cart
Many myths surround refurbished devices, but these items may be the ideal combination of quality and affordability.
Below are five debunked myths of refurbished equipment.
Myth#1: A refurbished medical laptop on wheels cannot be customized
Reality: Yes, like a new cart, these devices are well-equipped to be customized to the needs of a department.
Myth #2: Refurbished carts are difficult to repair.
No, they are not harder to repair than other equipment. As preventative measures should be taken to extend the usability of all equipment, there is no reason to believe refurbished medical carts will pose an undue hardship.
Myth #3: Refurbished carts are more likely to break.
Refurbished devices are extensively repaired and tested at all stages. They may be a better choice than new items as they have already weathered the demands of a healthcare facility.
Myth #4: Refurbished equipment has no warranty.
Often, new equipment is backed by a warranty and used devices are sold as-is. Refurbished equipment, if purchased from a trusted company, may come with a limited warranty.
Myth #5: Refurbished medical computer carts are cost-effective because of mediocre quality.
The most significant factor in the price of new equipment is production costs. As refurbished equipment is produced already, the only costs left are repair and maintenance. This simplified process ensures refurbished devices are available at affordable prices. Repairing a device is much more cost effective than producing it. If you decide to purchase a refurbished medical cart, make sure the company is reputable and ask the technicians about their process.
In summary, the choice between new and used medical computer carts is not quite the right question. Used equipment can leave you with poorly working devices and no guarantee of repair. For your healthcare facility, deciding on a new or refurbished hospital cart may offer you a top-quality product at a price that fits into your budget.
